Hadith #951

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Eating less is from self-restraint and overeating is from indulgence.

This profound statement highlights the importance of moderation in our consumption habits and serves as a reminder of the spiritual significance of controlling our desires.

Let us delve into the words of this Hadith to gain a deeper understanding. The word (qillatu) "قِلَّةُ" means "less" or "restraint," while (al-akl) "الأكلِ" refers to "eating." On the other hand, (kathratuhu) "كَثْرَتُهُ" means "overeating" and (mina) "مِنَ" denotes "from." Lastly, (al-'afaf) "العَفافِ" signifies "self-restraint" and (al-israf) "الإسْرافِ" translates to "indulgence."

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31),

O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid, and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess.

This ayah emphasizes the importance of moderation in all aspects of our lives, including our eating habits. It reminds us that while we are allowed to enjoy the blessings of food and drink, we should not indulge in excess. Overeating leads to physical and spiritual harm, as it can lead to obesity, laziness, and a lack of focus in worship.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:32), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns against the consequences of indulgence, saying,

Say, 'Who has forbidden the adornment of Allah which He has produced for His servants and the good [lawful] things of provision?' Say, 'They are for those who believe during the worldly life [but] exclusively for them on the Day of Resurrection.' Thus do We detail the verses for a people who know.

This ayah highlights that Allah has provided us with lawful and permissible provisions as a means of enjoyment and sustenance. However, these blessings are meant to be enjoyed within the boundaries of moderation. Indulging in excess not only goes against the teachings of Islam but also deprives others who are in need.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder for Muslims to exercise self-restraint and avoid overindulgence. By eating less, we not only maintain our physical health but also cultivate discipline and control over our desires. This self-restraint is a reflection of our commitment to following the teachings of Islam and seeking spiritual growth.

Furthermore, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) words highlight the importance of balance in all aspects of our lives. Just as overeating is discouraged, excessive deprivation and starvation are also discouraged in Islam. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-A'raf (7:31),

Eat of the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah if it is [indeed] Him that you worship.

This ayah reminds us that Allah has provided us with sustenance and it is our duty to partake in it with gratitude. By striking a balance between self-restraint and enjoying the blessings of Allah, we can lead a fulfilling and spiritually nourishing life.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) teaches us the importance of moderation in our eating habits. By exercising self-restraint and avoiding overindulgence, we not only maintain our physical health but also cultivate discipline and control over our desires. This Hadith aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of balance and moderation in all aspects of our lives. May Allah guide us to follow the teachings of Islam and grant us the strength to practice self-restraint in all areas of our lives.